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In this blog post, we hear from four more art students, Josh Gingerich, Sara White, Patrick Foley and Brandon Boggs, as they talk about what they value from their PCA&D experience and their earliest recollections of making art. This is the fourth in a 9-part blog series, where we hear directly from the students about what it is like to attend art school, their art, inspirations and influences.

Join PCA&D tonight for First Friday Lancaster for the opening reception of Selected Artworks from the BFA Program at PCA&D, from 5 – 8 p.m. in the Main Gallery. The exhibit features a selection of outstanding artwork created by two dozen of our rising junior and senior BFA students. A wide variety of media are represented including digital and hand-painted illustration, sculpture, painting, printmaking, photography and graphic design.

What do you value most about your PCAD experience this past year?

Josh Gingerich

Josh Gingerich, Graphic Design, Class of 2018

I think I really appreciate the cohesiveness of my classmates, and their up-front attitude when it comes to critique. I really enjoyed being able to discuss each person's project, and universally make each one significantly better by sharing our opinions and suggestions. I look forward to continue growing and improving together with them throughout the rest of our time here at PCAD.

Sara White, Photography, Class of 2018

I truly value and appreciate the understanding of my faculty members. Throughout the year I was struggling in my personal life and was trying to juggle more than I could handle. As much as I was struggling I pulled through with the help and understanding of David Johanson and Eric Weeks and created some of my strongest work thus far.

Patrick Foley, Graphic Design, Class of 2018

I value all of the wonderful people I have met and spent time with in my first year at PCA&D.

Brandon Boggs, Illustration, Class of 2018

This past year was challenging but also very rewarding. I worked hard to keep my grades up, and I feel like I've definitely improved my artistic abilities since freshman year. I guess I mostly value the opportunity to enhance my skills while expanding my knowledge of art, not to mention the liberal arts courses I have taken.

When or how did you begin making art, and what does the process of making art mean to you?

Sara White, Photography, Class of 2018

I've been creating art since I was a small child. A couple who lived down the street from me as a child had an art studio in their basement where they would create their work. They would often invite my family and I to create what we wanted and guide us along the way. To create art, in whichever medium, to me is an extension of myself. When I create something I'm taking a part of myself and sharing it with whoever looks at it. Sometimes it's very obvious while other times it's not.

Josh Gingerich, Graphic Design, Class of 2018

In fact, I only had a handful of art classes in my childhood, and none in high-school or college. I began working with photography and design about four years ago, because I found them each to be an intriguing and elegant art medium. I've been hooked ever since to a blend of atmospheric and clean, sharp visuals. I think that creating artwork, for me, is more about connecting the viewer with your intention; I like the idea of creating an emotion within a visitor as they look at my work, and understanding what they think and how they process the imagery. There should be a nice blend between the visual and the concept.

Patrick Foley, Graphic Design, Class of 2018

Making art, to me, is the process of expressing myself and the things I enjoy in a way that makes the most sense to me.

Brandon Boggs

Brandon Boggs, Illustration, Class of 2018

I've been drawing since I was around five years old. In school, all of my notes and worksheets would have drawings and doodles in the margins, and I would carry around a notebook specifically for drawing. My parents and grandparents always supported my interest in art, and so I practiced and worked to improve my ability to draw. Since then, I have also begun painting, and at times even sculpting. In high school I took every art class I could fit in my schedule, and I was voted 'most artistic' in my graduating class. Art, to me, is the closest thing to magic. It's really satisfying taking a blank piece of paper or canvas and transforming it into something completely new. My goal has always been to create interesting things that are pleasing to the eye, and I have noticed tremendous improvement in my work since coming to PCA&D.

“Selected Artworks from the BFA program at PCA&D”will be on exhibit in the Main Gallery at Pennsylvania College of Art & Design, 204 N Prince Street, Lancaster, from June 3 to August 12, 2016. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Opening First Friday Reception, will be held First Friday June 3 from 5 – 8 p.m. in the Main Gallery.